I always think someday Iffy might die of heart attack (hope not) with the way he goes overboard in shouting in his videosA tribute to Babar Azam. Goodnight.
Babar Azam, the "king," they say with jest,
In cricket's realm, he tries his best.
Yet whispers float, a mocking ring,
"Just another player, a 'ghantay ka king.'"
While Pakistan will definitely come back hard, I dont think its a danger for India. Indian side for some reason looks much settled. For example Pakistan played useless 7 T20's in UK conditions that were not going to be the conditions here whereas Indian players coming from IPL although pitches favored the batsman are in some rhythm. It also helped India that they had a practice game in New York and first game in New York compared to Pakistan whose practice in Dallas was cancelled because of the rains and they did indoor practice and straight to game. That showed on todays performance.Excellent day for cricket. This is what having more teams in a 'World' Cup does.
While Pakistan will need introspection, I think it's high time they take a decision a la India before the inaugural T20I WC when they dropped big non performing names in favor of raw talent. Pakistan needs to let at least one of Rizwan/Babar go. Their style of play when playing together is weighing Pakistan down.
They need to be replaced by the more players who can hit sixes at will such as Fakhar or Asif Ali or even Ifti Chachu.
All said an done, It's a dangerous sign for India now coz Pakistan will come hard in a bid of retribution
How is it disrespectful? Was it not true that the USA lured a few players with the promise of green cards? Netravalkar, Harmeet have played for India U-19 in the past. There are plenty in their 30 man probables that have been wooed away on account of better playing prospects. These players wouldnt have moved had they gotten the right opportunities in their country.Only four of their players today were born in the subcontinent and I’m not sure Ali Khan belongs to that list either. Using said term for them is disrespectful and frankly not right either.
I remember the first ever WT20 in 2007. Many double headers, some played at the same ground. This actually meant that the teams were bound to finish the game in 3 hours. It was fast paced, thrilling and ensured that the matches got done within the stipulated time period. Also, if you remember, the semi-finals were held on the same day- that's what the game should be all about. I wish the ICC goes back to that era.Ok few things that I need to talk about
- Keeping Super Over aside, this match took close to 4 hours to finish. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. T20 was supposed to finish in 3 hours. We need stricter in game punishment that happens to avoid this.
- For example, in Baseball if they do no pitch in 12 seconds, the batsman gets a walk immediately, so if in cricketing terms if a bowler does not finish an over in x amount of time, batting team should be given a run or two. Repeated offense would make them in a higher bracket.
- For example 1st to 3rd offense 2 runs given to batting team, 4th offense onwards 3 runs, 8 offense onward 4 runs, etc.
- Pakistani batsman not coming out in time. Like what was that? It took 28 minutes from the end of the 20th over to super over to finish. Blame Pakistani management and batsman who took 9 minutes to come out.
- Surely there has to be some sort of penalization for this? The rule says you have 5 minutes. Every 2 minutes a team is late, 1 ball less in super over or 1 run added to total.
Any more associates likely for Super 8?
In short, apart from USA, the only realistic chance is of Netherlands. But, Scotland, Oman, Namibia, or Nepal can hope.
Maybe Namibia but they will need a miracle (Defeat Aus & Eng) - Oman have lost 2 games already (they aren't making it)Oman, Namibia, or Nepal can hope.
Associates eh!Afghanistan
My bad! Afghans are no longer an Associate here....Associates eh!